Sonia Kruger’s awkward blow

Sonia Kruger’s awkward blow

IN AN embarrassing blow, Sonia Kruger's much-hyped special appearance at the book launch of Married At First Sight star Tracey Jewel fell flat when the Today Extra star appeared to ditch the event with no explanation.

"She was meant to launch the book. Tracey said she RSVP'd … That's a bit awkward," a publicist said when quizzed on Kruger's absence two hours into the launch.

Awkward, indeed. Particularly when the official press release trumpeted the host's confirmed attendance.

Determined to get to the bottom of why the Kruger was not spending her rainy Tuesday evening at Vaucluse House rubbing shoulders with the 15 fans who did show up, we ran up to Jewel and breathlessly asked about it.

An in-depth inquiry into Kruger's whereabouts showed the host in high spirits on Today Extra this morning - clearly not suffering from illness or the dreaded FOMO.

Busted.

Displaying far too much interest in the no-show, we then contacted Channel 9 and demanded answers from Kruger. A Nine spokesman declared Kruger's association with the event to be an unfortunate mix up.

"While Sonia received an informal invitation, she never received a formal invite. She was never asked to launch Tracey's book, nor was anyone aware of a press release being distributed," they said.

The apparent snub - or miscommunication - was just another kick to the lips for Tracey, who has stumbled through a tumultuous year of public humiliation. And she's not alone.

Later in the evening, at the bar, her Married At First Sight co-star Justin experienced first-hand the sobering effects of a fading reality TV profile.

"Hi, Justin," he said, holding his hand out to a young woman who stared back blankly.

"I'm just waiting for a drink," she replied.

Never before has a single book launch resulted in so many bruised egos.